This sophisticated artifact offers hours and hours of discovery, reviewing the world of 1891 in upmost detail. This detailed educational Sphere of 1891 documents Imperial Empires and their quest of conquering the world by displaying among others German and British Colonies. Metropolitan Centers of the past, including Constantinople of the Ottoman Empire, Christiana  and St Petersburg in Russia are represented as is the Austro -Hungarian and German Empire.  A young USA is identified, still in the process of forming states, one can view Indian Territory in Oklahoma, USA.Quite an attractive piece, it will demand attention in any setting. In spite of its imperfect map, it offers the perfect vintage look. While labeled American Globe and school supply Company, it is clearly a Rand McNally masterpiece, marked and dated 1891 on the Southern Hemisphere. History of the Globe Maker: William Rand opens his first print shop in 1856, hires McNally, an Irish Immigrant, in 1858. In 1868, the two establish a partnership and the name Rand McNally & Co. As a print shop they produce the newspaper for the Chicago Tribune as well as timetables, travel guides and tickets for the fast growing railroad industry. In 1872, the company pioneered cerography, an innovative wax-engraving print technique, enabling to follow world changes in print quickly and more economic. As a result, event though not having made globes themselves until 1880, by the end of the late 1800’s Rand McNally produced globe gores not just for their own models, but for many of the other Chicago Globe makers. Rand McNally is best known for their travel maps but also still produces globes to this day, mainly for the educational market. Description: The plaster orb itself is covered with 12 individual, hand applied  paper gores representing the map and attached to a simplified metal base. Diameter of the globe is 12 inches with a total height of about 17 inches. Condition: Overall well preserved, the map of the sphere does show sign of usage as a school globe. Wear in form of soiling and a "tension tear" of the paper ( Hudson River area). However, the sphere is solid, no cracks or damage. The base is polished rather than the more common bronze finish. A fine artifact with well documented history. Well packed this artifact ship domestic for $26.00. International ( most locations) $69.00 $685   SKU # 615RMC1891